Solomon Islands
This Melanesian country is best known for its many islands and beaches... and this
natural landscape (pictured) is why most people go. Don't miss out on the unique
Melanesian culture and foods though! Begin Your Journey!

Vanuatu
Picturesque serenity is a good way to describe Vanuatu, but the culture offers much
more, including the inspiration for bungee jumping, which remains a rite of passage
for young men. Explore Vanuatu!

Federated States of Micronesia
This diverse country stretches for thousands of miles and has the diversity to prove
it, including the people from Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Yap among others.
Begin Your Journey!

Samoa
Among the most famous of the South Pacific's many countries, Samoa sits in the
heart of Polynesia and has a culture to match. Begin Your Journey!

Architecture of Fiji

The historic architecture in Fiji is primarily limited to housing.
These buildings were square in shape with a pyramid-like roof and were made of local
woods and leaves. They had simple thatched roofs and walls and little else to distinguish
them. However, as mentioned above, often times a person would be killed and buried
beneath the pillars of a new construction in order to gain stability, which they
believed would be gained by the spirit of the deceased calling upon the gods for
support.

Each village also had a village house, often used for meetings and get togethers,
in a similar design, but larger. Villages also often had a spirit house for worship.
Each village's chief would also have a home in a similar style, but his home
was generally raised off the ground higher than the others and was typically larger
than everyone else's house.

This simply style continues to survive today, but with the arrival of the
Europeans the building materials and techniques have been altered in these
houses to last longer. The Europeans also introduced new styles and structures,
such as churches and schools.

With colonization, the architecture in Fiji changed significantly,
but only in some areas. As the British urbanized,
they only brought their architecture to the growing cities in Fiji. Today there
exist a number of buildings in the British styles popular at the time, including
the Victorian Style. These structures can be seen in churches, houses, and other
buildings, most particularly in Suva.

The Indians also brought new styles to the country, most notably in the form of
Hindu temples and Islamic Mosques. These religious structures are commonly found
in areas dominated by ethnic Indians, primarily in urban centers.